Storm had commanded that I should have dinner before I walk out again from his pack. Supposedly, I didn't refuse him and obliged even though Claude is there. I accepted Storm's offer because I knew it will be too long before I'll be back again in his pack. And besides, I want to bid goodbye to everyone that became a part of me.

"There! You are now a goddess in your new form, Rachelle!" Casey said as she clapped her hands, glaring at me in the mirror.

I smiled widely as I couldn't take my eyes off my reflection. She tied my hair into a messy bun. She ordered me to wear one of her dresses that doesn't fit her off. I found it hard to believe. She has a nice, curve-shaped body that really fits the off-shoulder blue dress that is under the knee I was wearing. I forgot to say that it is a formal dinner made by my brother. I wore this dress for the sake of Casey. She hasn't seen me dress like the way I was now. I did her a favor. I found her amusing because she was giggling like a kid seeing how successful insist I wear this and wore a pair of 6-inch stiletto heels.

"I wonder what my brother's reaction is when he sees you. Damn! I will see him head over heels with you again!"

I rolled my eyes and stood up from my sit. I scanned her from head to toe. She never fails me to amaze with her beauty. She wore a green halter dress and six-inch stiletto heels. She pushed up her hair into a tight ponytail. "I'm sure, Storm will have drooled over you. I wonder what he will do to you tonight." I teased. She blushed, lowering her gaze. I chuckled at her reaction and she just frowned at me.

We went downstairs and met all the men who were waiting for us. I want to huff. Why would they even wait for us?

I got an awed expression from all the men in our pack and mostly, to Claude. I felt a hot sensation crawling down me because of his intense glare. I looked away and walked toward Claude. He has this proud expression on his face.

"Why hell, you are all beautiful!" He declared.

I just rolled my eyes. "As if I have a choice with this formal gathering." I masked my voice with sarcasm. Storm just grinned. "I thought this is just a simple dinner you prepare. But it wasn't!" I said, frowning about this event.

"You'll thank us after this." He chuckled and draped his arm over Casey's shoulder. Then he kissed her on her forehead. "Let's go, Casey. Let's serve the dinner for all of us." With that, all of the people are here left me with... I sighed.

With Claude.

I sat on the couch and crossed my arms and legs as I leaned in. I took an effort to wear this dress just because I thought they would be mad if I haven't participated in this. Generally, I'm not used to this formal event. I used to wear combat suits and guard people around the territory. I'm a bit uncomfortable right now. I don't know how long I would endure this. If patience cuts from me, I'll transform into my wolf form. Yeah, better idea!

"I apologize if what I acted yesterday, Rachelle."

My senses lit when I felt the presence of Claude. He was standing not too far from my position. I could strongly smell his manly scent and the scent I'd smell when I found him in the woods—after rain and mint. He looks so dashing wearing a tuxedo and my wolf jumped in joy seeing how handsome and hot he is. I scolded her and tell her to shut up. He tastes so hot and spicy. I felt my cheeks heat from the whisper of my wolf. Goodness! Graciousness!

"Are you still mad at me?"

My heart pounded as he spoke softly and gently. He sat across me and gave me his intense glare again. I couldn't help but curse in my mind and agreed with my wolf that he is really so handsome and hot in that position.

I smiled weakly. "No. I wasn't. I'm not used to someone who does that. It's part of my training."

"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Storm told me so. He explained it to me yesterday."

"Good thing he does." I nodded. "So that I won't explain myself to you if rather you are a close-minded mate of mine." I was thinking that I am having a high standard for who should be my mate. What Claude's feature isn't my type. Not for my liking, more directly. "But that doesn't mean that I accepted you as my mate. I tell you don't assume." I retorted.

Claude silenced for a moment. "My wolf and I believe that you will accept us as your mate. I could tell your wolf already accepted us. Now, it is only you that we should need to coax with. From the first time, I saw and smell you, we knew by then that we have found what is lost in our life. We have found our mate. And that is you."

I averted my gaze as I felt my cheeks redden from his statements. It was a sugar-coated statement but it shivers the inside of me. I didn't expect him to say that. Additionally, I didn't expect myself that I was fall over from it.

I stood up from my sit. I couldn't take it! I am not prepared for his confession. I am not ready to accept my mate yet!

I was about to leave when he caught my arm. "What is bothering you as to not accept us on your own will, Rachelle?" His whisper from my ear sent shivers down to my spine and heat pooled in my feminine part.

I felt my rugged breath with his hand on my arm, sending shudders on my body. I submissively closed my eyes when his lips were on my right shoulder. It sent more shivers to me when his tongue ran on my skin. My breath hitched from the contact of his tongue with my skin. It was deliriously amazing! I could hear Claude's deep breath in my ear as he encircled his arms on my waist.

My heart beats so fast at the contact of our skin. I was electrified by his touch. I couldn't stop myself to face him and touch his face. A low rumble escaped from his chest at his sudden touch. My wolf told me what to do with my mate. I couldn't take more breaths at how beautiful he is now that I'd seen him too close for my own good. I could see the shape of his eyes, his nose, his lips, and his face. I traced them with my fingers while his eyes closed. I don't know what is happening to me. I was in a deep hypnotized by my own wolf.

Claude opened his eyes. I knew by then that I was meeting his wolf. His massive, strong, and amazing wolf. He was looking at me intently. I could feel pulled back inside. My breath hitched when we stared into each other's eyes. It was pretty amazing seeing her red orbs. It was so beautiful and I so loved to stare at it.

"You're making me crazy." He tugged the strands of my hair on my ear. I found it so sweet. I know by this time, I should have stayed away from Claude. But my body did the opposite. Instead, I stayed in his arms. I swear it feels so great. Claude took my hand with his and brought it to his lips without breaking our eye contact. I couldn't help my heart thumps in a way that it sends shivers in me.

Claude turned me around like we were dancing then locked his arms on my waist, put his chin on my shoulder, and hugged me tightly. "You're so beautiful, Rachelle." He murmurs and sways us like there was music. I closed my eyes in submission and felt him. Why do I love this kind of feeling?

"Dinner's ready! Brother, Rach—"

I snapped my eyes open because Casey's voice echoed in the room. I removed Claude's arms from me and stepped back. I saw the disappointment registered in his eyes.

"Oh! I seemed to interrupt a romantic moment."

I instantly glared at Casey from the door where the way to the kitchen is there. She was smiling from ear to ear. I immediately shook my head like I didn't do something wrong.

"I-It's not what y-you think it is, Casey," I said defensively. I felt my cheeks heat because of embarrassment. Goodness! Graciousness! This is not good! Why did I let myself drown from Claude's touch? It was as if I am hypnotized.

Casey raised her hands as if surrendering. "Okay. Okay," she said, grinning. "Brother, if you are done with your moment with Rachelle, go to the dining area because dinner's ready, okay?"

"Sure, Case. We'll be off."

"Okay," said Casey and left us while giggling. "Honey! I need to tell you something!" We heard her. Her voice echoed.

"Better if we should go or do you want us to do something more." Claude teased and I gave him a glare. I shook my head and passed by him but he caught my arm as he made me turn to him. "What?" I snapped.

I was surprised when he pulled me closer to his body and hugged me. Claude sniffed me on my neck and I shivered from the contact of his nose to my skin. What made me shiver more is when he grazed the soft spot of my neck. "This is where I'm going to mark you as mine." He whispered.

I pushed him away from me. "No! That will never have happened!" I snapped again and stepped back.

"Then accept me as your mate. That would be too easy." An eerie atmosphere circled us. I just frowned to him and measured his said.

"You know I am not ready for that."

"Wanna bet?"

"Shut up, Claude!"

"C'mon! That wouldn't be too hard to bet with me." He sounds like a sulking child.

I spun around and faced Claude. "I couldn't accept you because I'm still not ready to be with you. I'm still confused to have you. And that I'm used to being on my own. This kind of sort of thing, mate, is the last thing I wanted to experience. And..."

"What cause you to hesitate not to accept me?" Claude's face gloomed and I swallowed of seeing him mad again.

I wet my lips and averted my gaze. Why do I feel so sad about saying the truth? This is easy for me to say. But because of him, I don't know what to tell. Does he know I work for the palace? Does he know that I am a battlefield commander?

"Rachelle..."

I stepped back when he tries to touch me again. I shook my head and I saw how hurt he was of what my action did. If it hurts him, it hurts mine more. Why did I feel this way?

Is this the connection they say feeling with their mates? If so, I am already hurt to see Claude's reaction.

'Why don't you just accept him?' My wolf whispered.

I shook my head more causing Claude to misinterpret my action.

"You don't want me." He finalized.

"Not just that. I'm leaving my pack." I turned my back again so that I couldn't see the painful expression in his eyes and decided to walk out of his sight.

I sighed with a heavy feeling. Why it is hard to say goodbye to him?

We haven't created much of memories, because Claude stayed here for a few days and I did staying away from him, or a deep bond with each other but it is like we have been together for so long that it is hard to leave.

That is why I don't need my mate for now. I still have a lot of things to do more to myself and more to the palace I served my life on.

"Let's have a toast everyone for my little sister, Rachelle," announced by Storm as he raised his wine glass.

I smiled, doing the same as they raised their glasses. I was overwhelmed that Storm has to do this effort together with his wife, Casey. Very formal event but we talked informally. I love how we do this thing. Surely, I'm going to miss them once I am in the palace.

"Thank you everyone for doing these things to me. I'm going to miss you all," I said happily, looking at them one by one. "I'm going to miss Alpha Storm's soldiers I trained so well. Please protect our pack even if I am gone in this pack. Don't worry I'll be back. That's all."

Warm applause echoed in the kitchen. I smiled widely.

I put the wine glass down and went outside because of some fresh air. I am bothered because Claude is not around. I sighed in distress. Why do I have to worry about him, huh? I shook my head, shoving the thoughts deep inside of my head. I shouldn't be bothered. I should not worry. I don't need him in my life. My heart pricked when I said it. My wolf was hurt. She needs Claude and his wolf.

I tucked the strands of my hair when a cool breeze passed at me. I hugged myself, feeling so cold because of the dress I was wearing. I wasn't used to this dress. I am shivering in cold right now. To divert the coldness, I removed my heels and walked to the quiet village. The pack is in the pack house. For now, I want to be alone. I need some time to think before I sleep.

I walked in my bare feet. I love the feeling of the grass tickled in my feet. When I reached the small pond where children used to play here, I sat on the large stone and started to the starry sky. Especially, I stared at the lovely moon.

I raised my hand as if I was touching the moon. I felt like we were connected in some way. I felt like most part of me can only find it on the moon. I wish I can talk to the moon goddess so she can tell me where pack I came from and who my parents were. I wonder what the moon goddess is doing right now. How did she guard us, all werewolves?

I put down my hand and stared at the pond. Some of the dishes are still swimming at night. I was lured to look at them. I hugged myself when I shivered in cold again as the breeze passed quietly.

I flinched when I felt a cloth draped on my shoulder. I turned my head instantly only to find it was Claude. My heart beats seeing him again. What we did earlier is the most mistake I've ever done. But I don't know but I don't feel any regrets in me.

"You should at least get some coat, my dear." Claude smiled and sat beside me.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised to see him.

"I follow my mate as to where she is going," Claude said, looking straight into my eyes. His dark hazel orbs penetrate me.

I looked away, glaring again at the pond. I didn't respond to his statement. But deep inside my heart is jumping in joy together with my wolf. I frowned to hide it. Claude and I both fell silent. I was feeling awkward that he was beside me. But I was fully aware of his presence.

"Your brother's pack is vividly amazing," Claude started.

I nodded my head. "Yeah. You're right."

"I'm happy that Casey is living happily with him. Now, I could breathe in contentment. Because there's someone who will look after her and protect her." I could sense the happiness in his voice.

I turned my head to look at him. He was looking at the pond. I returned my head back. "Storm is overprotective when it comes to me even though we're not blood-related. Did Casey tell you about that thing?" I asked, emphasizing Storm and I were not siblings.

"Yeah. Also, Storm explained about shooting you then he also told me that." He sighed. "I'm sorry if I acted that way."

"Hmm." I just nodded my head and remained silent. I'm glad he felt sorry for it.

"You knew he loves you being part of his family, right? You won't doubt any single thing, right?"

"I do know. And I am so blessed that his parents adopted me and Storm became my old brother." I smiled widely, reminiscing. "But I feel so different even though I still belong to this pack. My heart is longing for something. A part of me wants to search for everything about me. Storm helps me but he can't find any details for me." I sighed sadly. I was snapped back at everything I said. Immediately, I gawked at him only to find he was looking at me intently. "Don't assume that I'm letting you entering in my life now that I'm opening this up. Just forget what I said," I said defensively.

I felt my cheeks heat when he stared for so long into my eyes. I looked away, can't look at him, not for just seconds.

"I love everything about you." He murmured

My breath hitched. I could still hear it even though it is just a small whisper. My sensitive ears can hear his fast heartbeat. I'm sure Claude can hear mine. My heart is pounding so wild and I don't know why my heart has to react to his statements.

I chose to remain silent. I don't know what to say to him. I can't even move a little because he was staring at me again. I swear I couldn't take it. I lowered my head and played with my fingers instead.

"Can I ask you something, Rachelle?" he asked after a moment of silence between us.

I stopped myself not looking at him. "What is it?" I asked, my eyes glued to the fish swimming in the pond.

"What pushes you as to not accepting me as your mate?" he asked after he remained silent. I think he was weighing his words.

I took a sigh because of his question. "Why do you have to be so curious about this? I'm sure my brother had already told you." I couldn't help but look at him now.

"I only want to hear it that is coming from you. I was wondering why you can't accept me or do the otherwise."

"Because I'm still confused." I averted my eyes.

"Confused about what?"

"Of this! You, meeting you unexpectedly! The fact I met you as my mate!" I said, exaggerating, spreading my hands.

I heard him chuckle. "The moment I saw your wolf form in the woods, I already know that you are my mate. I'm glad that I met you here. I thank the moon goddess that she pushed me through visiting my sister. I swear I didn't want to pay a visit to Casey. My father insisted at first but I declined. But then, I was curious about the living of my sister. Of course, I still care for her. I'm glad that I finally found my missing piece in my life."

"You know I can't still accept you, right?" I asked after it took me a long silence of his confession. I was overwhelmed with it.

Claude nodded his head. "I'm hurt because of that." I bit my lower lip when I felt something prick in my heart and my eyes started to water.

'You can feel his feelings.' My wolf whispered. 'We are connected to him. He knows what we feel and we know what he feels.'

I nodded mentally. Right now, I could feel our strong bond with him.

I could see lots of emotions in his eyes. I want to touch his handsome face. Something is urging me to caress his face right now but I do not have the guts. I blinked so many times to stop myself that I was about to cry. Instead, I focused myself again on the pond.

We both fell silent again. I fixed the coat that was on top of my shoulders when I shivered in cold.

"'Mind if I dance with you?"

I raised my glance when Claude is already standing and offering his hand to me. I cocked my brow. "What?" I said, stopping myself not to laugh. "Are you asking me to dance with you with no music at all?"

"Just dance with me and you'll know that we don't need any music at all. C'mon! Dance with me, milady." He bowed.

I laughed and accepted his hand. "Yes please." At the contact of our hands with each other, wild static electricity flowed in my skin. It sent a delirious feeling to my senses as he helped me to stand and took my hands, placing them on his shoulders.

I tried to act neutral and told myself not to react as he encircled his arms on my waist. Claude pulled me closer to his warm body. The coat on my shoulders fell but I didn't mind it. I was focused on Claude and his warmth. His hands on my waist sent shivers to me. I ignored the feeling and stared into his eyes.

"Now, I'm bored. It's better if we have music." I suggested with a hint of a joke.

Claude grinned. "I told you and I'm not going to repeat it. Now, let us both keep silent as we dance. You'll realize it to the soonest." He murmured to my ear.

I gulped as his hot breath fanned not just in my ear but also on my shoulder. Meanwhile, he started to sway me. I found it so boring at first. So, to make this exciting, I dare myself to look straight at his dark hazel orbs who are doing likewise to me. We just stared into each other's eyes while dancing with no music. The more I stared at him, the more my heart pounded every second. I am fully aware of the contact between our bodies. I am fully aware of him, not my surrounding.

When I couldn't take it staring at him, I clung to his neck and leaned on his shoulder. I closed my eyes in submission as I hear the beating of his heart. That made Claude hug me tighter into his arms.

He was right. It felt good with no music. The singing of the crickets is the only I can hear. It was so peaceful when I was just beside him.

"I wish I can be with you like this," I said without thinking. But I knew to myself I said it intentionally.

"If you accept me wholeheartedly, we will always be like this," he whispered.

"Give me some time to think. My life is complicated."

"I'm afraid you are right, my dear."

"You do respect my decision, right?" I opened my eyes and looked at him.

Claude nodded his head. "I do."

I couldn't help to touch his face with my hand. My eyes started to pool. Why am I hurt of not to see him when I return to the palace?

"I'm leaving you." Tears dropped in my cheeks when I couldn't take of stopping my emotions anymore. "I think I couldn't reach you anymore." A sob escaped from me.

He held my face, too. A sad expression was written in his eyes. "We are mates. The moon goddess will surely find a way to meet us in some place. We will be seeing each other, my dear sweetheart." He wiped the tears from my eyes.

I sobbed again. "But I'm hurt right now." I don't know why I am so honest with him. Maybe I really couldn't take it. I couldn't take to building barriers to him.

"I know. And so do I." I closed my eyes when he leaned his forehead toward mine. I felt tears on his cheek as I was still holding his face.

"I can't stay with you."

"You're always in my heart."

"Please wait for me to think about this. I'm still confused about this mate thing. Give me a chance to understand this fully."

"I will. I promise."

I cried, even more, when Claude's lips descended on mine. I missed him back with so much passion. We were fully hurt. I can't take it. I can't afford this feeling.

"Rachelle.." he leaned again on my forehead. "I will miss you." I nodded my head in response. "Please do take care of yourself."

"I will, Claude," I murmured and cried silently.

We hugged each other as we consoled ourselves. I'm giving up on this feeling but I don't know if I'm ready to accept him.

"I love you," Claude murmured as I felt his hot tears fall on my shoulder.

After Claude and I made a moment, we decided to go to the woods with our wolf form. I agreed to make memories with him even though a part of me is yelling at me as to why I'm letting this.

We passed the border lines then I mind-linked Storm I'm going with Claude. I don't know why I let him agree on me with this. Because the wolf part of me wants to be with Claude before I say a painful goodbye to him. I would think of going far away from him sickens me now. I sighed.

Claude nudged me with his nose. I looked at him and found his massive wolf form. His red eyes were looking at me lovingly. At every end of the strands of his fur released gold dust which I found beautiful to my eyes. I nudged him, too using my nose. My wolf purred and so was Claude's wolf.

I transformed into my human form and I was now dressed up. I came to Claude in his wolf form and placed my hand on top of his head. He pushed his head more to my touch as if Claude wants me to pet him.

So I did and I giggled.

"Good boy," I said, smiling. I kissed the side of his face. He just nudged me as if he liked what I did.

I was confused when the massive, beautiful wolf lay down. He looked at me and moved his head.

I chuckled, understanding him. "What? You want me to lie on your stomach? That's insane!"

Claude growled and he gave me his dangerous, beautiful pair of red eyes at me. He once again moved and told me to lie on his stomach. Chuckling, I did and lay on his stomach when he lay in the grass bed. I sighed in contentment as I looked up to see the starry sky.

The soft breathing of Claude is like music to my ears. The fast beat of his heart gives me a wonderful tune to me.

I fixed my position and hugged Claude's wolf form to feel his soft fur tickling on my skin. I gently grabbed his fur and closed my eyes as I inhaled his scent. The same scent I smelled when we were in the woods. It's very addictive and at the same time alluring to my senses.

"I wonder if I can sleep here, you as my soft pillow. What do you think?" I murmured.

He growled softly and agreed with me. I smiled and let myself drowns in the silence with Claude as my pillow. The soft breathing of his is so cute.

Not long after my eyes are getting heavier with tiredness, I slowly closed my eyes and let sleep drown me.

I was half awake when I felt being lifted up. I felt like my world is spinning. I snuggled closer to the person I was with not even opening my eyes who I was with right now. But when I sniffed the scent, his familiar scent ranged through my nostrils.

"Claude..." I murmured, feeling the sleep wanted to drown me again.

I felt his lips on my hair. "Sshh. Just sleep, love. You have to sleep." His soft, warming voice is like a lullaby to me. I nodded my head in response and clung to his neck. The last thing I heard before I slept again is Claude's voice murmuring in my ear, saying, "Good night, Rachelle."

I woke up with the good sleep I ever have, feeling my energy fully loaded into something. I went to the bathroom and quickly dressed up. Before I left my room, I glanced around my room I will surely miss this. From childhood and 'till I grown-up, this is already my room.

I went downstairs and met Casey in the living room. My eyes widened because she is dragging my suitcases out.

I quickly ran to her. "Luna, you don't have to do this."

Casey looked at me and smiled sweetly. She shook her head. "No. I want to help. You guys are so paranoid. And besides, Storm had already known about what I was doing. Please? I want to help." She gave me her puppy eyes that anyone couldn't resist.

I sighed. "Fine. If that is your wish."

Casey patted my cheek lightly. "Go grab some breakfast. Storm is there. Have a final talk with him. He was a bit mad, you know."

"Mad? To whom?"

"To you." She giggled. "I am just joking. Not you. To my brother, Claude. You know, men," she winked before she left me.

My feet guided me to the dining room and there I saw those two idiots seriously talking to something. I cleared my throat so that I got their attention and I wouldn't hear their talks.

Storm's face lighted up when he saw me. "Rachelle!" he said, smiling. He stood up and opened his arms. I rolled my eyes. He is becoming a clingy brother I have.

"Storm!" I said and smiled widely not minding Claude's intense stares shot right through me. I ran to him and hugged him.

I was enveloped by a nice and warm hug coming from Storm. The same hug I always receive whenever he consoles me if he saw me crying. My forehead knitted when I heard Claude lowly growling under his chest. When I shot him a glare, he was holding the bread knife tightly and shot us a death glare from our position. I was confused by his action.

I averted my gaze and gave Storm a tight hug again before we pulled out.

Storm patted my head. "I will surely miss my sister here in my pack."

I smiled at his statement. "Likewise, brother."

"Have a sit and eat breakfast." He offered me a chair to sit in. I sat and faced the table.

Just when I was about to get my own breakfast. Claude stood up and took the plate of fried rice. He spun around and went to me as he served my food. His male scent filled my nostrils. I get addicted to it while my heart didn't stop beating knowing that he was so close to me. He sat right beside me and took a strip of bacon and placed it on my plate. He gave me a sunny side-up egg and hotdog.

"Now eat," he said darkly.

I glanced to Storm who was amusingly glaring at us. When our eyes met, he flashed a smirk. He stood up from sitting. "I'll leave you two. Have some time to get along with each other," he said and left us here.

My heart beat wildly, noticing Claude and I are here alone in the dining room. I looked at him. He was giving me his intense glare again.

"What are you looking at? It's as if I did something wrong," I said half-annoyed.

"Of course, you do. You were hugging him earlier!" He whined. His voice is dark causing me to have goosebumps on my spine.

"He's my brother," I stated and ate the food he prepared for me as memories of our last night played inside my head.

"You two are not blood-related. I'm jealous, Rachelle."

I stopped myself to gasp from him being so honest. I bit my lower lip, looking at him. I observed his face. His hair was disheveled right this morning. And he looked so hot right now. "So? We treat each other like we are siblings. We always do this. Shut the hell up." I snorted and continued to eat.

"But..." I cut him off with my finger snapped right in his face. I don't want him to ruin my breakfast. He must shut up or else I will snap at him.

I munched my food before I swallowed. "Goodness! Graciousness! Stop that. Let's eat, will you?" I gave a bread and shoved it into his mouth. He gladly ate it. I laughed at his cuteness. Claude smiled and took a strip of bacon and offered it to me. I opened my mouth to eat it. "Hmm!" Delicious! I would say.

"I'm going to miss you for sure, Rachelle." My heart stopped right from his words.

I averted my gaze and didn't know how to respond to his statement. I was overwhelmed, yes. This guy happens to be my mate. If it wasn't, I will surely punch his face. Something is fluttering my insides and I don't know why I am feeling this. I sighed and relaxed.

That's right, Rachelle. Relax.

"I still got no response from you? I thought we already have a deep connection?"

I glared back at him. "I'm not prepared for this thing. How many times do I have to tell you?" I have to calm my nerves. No way I could burst out from this talk again. "I thought you already understand me. If you don't, you can reject me anyway." A pang of pain spiked in my heart when I said that.

I don't know if I could bear Claude rejecting me. My wolf howled in disagreement with my statement. She didn't like what I said to our mate.

I saw how Claude's eyes crossed the painful expression. I was hurt by it. I didn't mean it. Something pushed me to say it.

"I'm sorry if I keep on pushing further. I know I told you last night that I promised to understand you. I'm sorry if I keep on assuming things," Claude said and walked away.

He left me here in the dining area and was stunned by his words. I blinked as I felt the tears coming. I hurt him again. I am hurt, too. I bit my lower lip.

'You're making this difficult for the two of us.'

I sighed from the mere whisper of my wolf. She was now bothered by my thoughts and to what I said to our mate.

"I want to fully know about myself before I accept him."

'What if he can't wait for you anymore?'

"That would be my problem. I'm willing to accept my fate," I whispered. It hurts to say this. I know my wolf knows that I'm lying about this shit. But even so, she is still worried about me.

After I grabbed my breakfast, just in time, I've been calling up. The transportation that would lead me to the palace is there, waiting for me. I tried to look for Claude again to say goodbye to him. But I can't find him. Where is he? So this is it? I will not have a chance of saying goodbye but the last words I say earlier? How could you, Rachelle?!

I composed myself not to be affected by the absence of Claude before I leave. I should be more strong.

As I went to the front gate, Storm and Casey are already waiting for me. I saw them glistened tears as I chuckled going after them.

"Cry babies," I commented before they pulled me in a hug.

"Too bad I still have no chance to fight with you, Rachelle. But next time, okay?"

I nodded and smiled. "If Storm will allow me then so be it." Casey and I giggled. We clasped our hands and hugged each other again. I turned to Storm who was already frowning. "What?" I asked, chuckling. I knew he didn't like the idea from his wife.

"Take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid." I shot him a glare. Of all people, why is he the one who said that?

"I'm not stupid!" I glared at Casey. "Look! He is calling me 'stupid'!" I blabbered.

Casey shot him a glare. "Storm!" she said with a warning.

"I'm not!" he said defensively. "I meant for her doings, not her." I rolled my eyes just because of that. Pathetic! Storm smiled. "I'm just joking, dear sister. Be strong!"

I smiled. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

I waved goodbye to all of the people in our pack. But as I waved, my eyes were looking for Claude. I couldn't see him. I sighed in sadness.

I opened the horse carriages and turned my head back to the people and also to Storm and Casey. I caught my breath when I saw Claude just beside Casey. He was looking at me intently with a serious look on his face.

I glared into his eyes and saw emotions crossed. I averted my gaze and continued hopping in as I gave Claude a last glance. I turned to the driver.

"Let's go," I commanded.

"Yes, commander." Then the engine started.

I glared at the side view mirror, seeing Claude standing far inches away from this vehicle. My heart stops when I saw him looking at the side view mirror. As soon as the vehicle went towards the road, I knew by then that I will never see him again. I don't know when.